Christine: Please share with our interested Germ readers a bit about yourself.

Sierra: I’m originally from a small town in Wisconsin, and I moved out to Providence, RI, in 2005, to start my undergrad at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Marketing. After graduation, I moved back home for a few weeks before moving right back to Providence (a “mistake” I feel like I had to make). I now currently work at my alma mater full time as a Social Media Coordinator, and I’m also the co-founder/CEO of the Lady Project. I serve on the board of Girls on the Run RI and the Summit Neighborhood Association and volunteer with various dog rescue groups. I’m also getting my MBA at JWU and live with my boyfriend and our dogs. In my free time, I love yoga, running, exploring some of Rhode Island’s many beaches, and going out to dinner with friends.

Christine: Describe the PVD Lady Project. Where did this idea come from?

Sierra: The PVD Lady Project is a non-profit that connects, inspires, and showcases awesome women doing amazing things through events, membership, and community engagement. We also have chapters in New Haven, CT, and Boston, MA. We’re expanding to Nashua, NH, and New York City this fall, too!

The idea came from meeting my co-founder, Julie Sygiel (co-founder of Dear Kates, a performance underwear company for women). We were both RI transplants (she’s from KY and went to Brown University) and were working in the start-up and non-profit fields. While there’s no shortage of fun networking events in Providence, it was always the “usual crowd” and generally full of older men. We realized, too, that we both knew so many amazing women from internships, college, past jobs, etc. and that they should all know and work [with] each other. And, many of these women were starting businesses, blogs, Etsy stores; we didn’t know a single woman who was just what her business card said. Everyone had “something else.” We wanted these women not only to know each other, but to work together and cheer each other on.

When Julie and I first met, she said to me, “YOU’RE my people!” It was our Oprah “Aha” moment, and we realized that we weren’t alone. There are so many of “our people” out there who are creative and passionate and driven. We just needed to find them.

Christine: What advice would you give to young women interested in creative entrepreneurship?

Sierra: Just do it! There’s never a right time, and you’ll never be 100% ready. You’re going to fail. You’re going to mess up, but that’s all part of the adventure.

Christine: What or who inspires you?

Sierra: I am very lucky to know some really amazing women (and men, of course) who inspire me every day; ladies in Lady Project know how to HUSTLE. I also read a lot of blogs (I love Bustle, HelloGiggles and Refinery29) and magazines (Fast Company, BUST, Entrepreneur) that feature really incredible leaders who are changing the world. You’re never too old or too young to start something new.

I’m always inspired by other industries. Julie and I both believe that you can learn from any industry; it doesn’t matter if you’re in fashion and there’s an accountant speaking. We can all take away something from everyone. I love reading interior design magazines or historical books; there’s so much to learn that you can implement into your “real” life.

Christine: What concerns do you have about women and the workplace?

Sierra: Not supporting each other. I feel like there’s a common misconception that all women hate each other and want each other to fail when I don’t feel that way at all. There’s enough success and money and attention for all of us. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed.

And, of course — flex time. Even if you have a “day job,” it’s super important for employers to allow women (moms and non-moms alike) the ability to adjust their schedule to take a coffee meeting or leave early to pick up their kids. As long as the work is getting done, it shouldn’t matter if they are clocking in and out at the “right” time. I think businesses as a whole need to adjust to allow flex time for everyone and make it work; employees will also be more productive, take more responsibility, and be happier overall.

We are totally feminists. Julie and I have said it a million times, and we think that all women should be feminists and want the same rights and privileges that men have. While we don’t consider ourselves a political organization, we completely support more women running for office and helping make those changes at an institutional level.

Christine: What have been your major influences?

Sierra: I am super lucky to have really amazing women in my life from an early age; both my mom and grandma have been big influences.

[Historical figures/celebrites]: I am a big fan of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gloria Steinem, Amy Poehler, Caitlin Moran, Debbie Stoller, and Elizabeth Warren.

Fictional characters (because they’re important, too!): Leslie Knope & Mindy Lahiri

Christine: What’s next for you and the Lady Project?

Sierra: We are super stoked to launch NSH and NYC Lady Project this fall! There are also rumors of a chapter in Madison, WI, happening, which I am really excited about. We are also hoping to do a formal mentoring program later this year and bring in more perks and collaborations for our members.

We are always looking for new chapters and city managers. If you’re interested, email me! ([email protected]).

 

Get your hustle on at www.pvdladyproject.com